What is a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)?

About Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• VSHORADS is a fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) specially designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances. 
• These are short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups.
• It has been designed and developed indigenously by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
• Features:
  • It is designed to provide short-range air defence capabilities to protect ground forces and critical assets from aerial threats, including helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
  • It has a range of up to 6-km.
  • The missile incorporates many novel technologies, including a Dual-band IIR Seeker, a miniaturised Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics.
  • It is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
  • The missile and its launcher were designed by the DRDO to be portable, which enables their quick deployment over difficult terrain.

Q1) What is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

It is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defense technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems. It is India's largest research organisation. It has a network of laboratories engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.

Source: DRDO completes flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System